Topic 6 of 7
Philippine Family Planning
Ask yourself
Do Filipino couples have a right to decide the number and spacing of their children?
Introduction
Family planning helps couples decide when to have children and how many, so that every child can be raised with proper care. The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act guarantees access to information and services.
What is it?
Family planning is a program that enables couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children, and to have the information and means to do so, using safe, legal and medically approved methods — both natural and modern.
Legal basis and applicable laws
- 1987 Constitution, Article XV, Section 3(1) — the right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood
- Republic Act No. 10354 — Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012
- Imbong v. Ochoa, G.R. No. 204819 (April 8, 2014) — Supreme Court upheld the law except for certain provisions
Important legal provisions
Section 2, R.A. 10354 — Declaration of Policy
The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons, including their right to equality and nondiscrimination, the right to sustainable human development, the right to health including reproductive health, the right to education and information, and the right to choose and make decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious convictions, ethics, cultural beliefs and the demands of responsible parenthood.
Section 4, R.A. 10354
Defines family planning and responsible parenthood, and makes clear that abortion is not a family planning method.
Section 7, R.A. 10354 — Access to Family Planning
All accredited public health facilities shall provide a full range of modern family planning methods, including medical consultations, supplies and procedures for poor and marginalized couples.
Rights and responsibilities
Your rights
- The right to accurate and complete information on family planning methods.
- The right to choose freely among natural and modern methods.
- The right to free or affordable services in public health facilities for qualified beneficiaries.
Your responsibilities
- Couples share the decision and responsibility for raising their children.
- Health providers must give accurate information; conscientious objectors must refer patients to another provider.
- Local governments must ensure the availability of services.
Legal procedures and remedies
- 1Visit your barangay health station or rural health unit for counseling.
- 2Discuss methods with a trained health provider.
- 3Choose a method that suits your health, beliefs and family goals.
Important reminders
- 1Abortion remains illegal in the Philippines and is not a family planning method.
- 2Family planning is a shared responsibility of both partners.
- 3Information on family planning is a right, not a privilege.
You have the right to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of your children, and to receive accurate information to do so.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RH Law constitutional?+
Yes. In Imbong v. Ochoa (2014), the Supreme Court declared R.A. 10354 not unconstitutional, except for several provisions, including those requiring minors to access services without parental consent and penalizing conscientious objectors.
Does a married person need the spouse's consent?+
The Supreme Court struck down the provision allowing a spouse to undergo reproductive health procedures without the other spouse's consent, emphasizing joint decision-making within marriage.
Legal references
- [1]The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 Republic Act No. 10354 — LawPhil
- [2]Imbong v. Ochoa, G.R. No. 204819 Supreme Court decision, April 8, 2014 — LawPhil
- [3]The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article XV — Official Gazette
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.